Harrow Council is facing mounting criticism after proposing service charge increases of up to 70 percent for leaseholders in council-owned blocks, a move residents warn will heap unsustainable pressure on families already struggling with rising living costs.Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas (photo), who says he has heard first-hand from affected residents, said the new costsContinue reading “Harrow Council’s 70% leasehold hike sparks outrage as families hit breaking point”
Category Archives: News
Arise unveils council candidates across Harrow ahead of 2026 vote
A new political force has stepped onto the Harrow stage. Arise has announced its full list of council candidates for the May 2026 local elections, standing in four wards and positioning itself as a grassroots alternative to Labour and the Conservatives. Launched in Harrow last year with the backing of Jeremy Corbyn MP, Arise isContinue reading “Arise unveils council candidates across Harrow ahead of 2026 vote”
School absence fines hit record high as Harrow mirrors national trend
England has recorded another surge in term-time school holiday fines, as cheaper off-peak travel continues to attract families, particularly those on low incomes or with larger households. New figures from the Department for Education show a record 459,288 penalty notices were issued in 2024–25 for unauthorised absence, up 4% on the previous year. Term-time holidaysContinue reading “School absence fines hit record high as Harrow mirrors national trend”
Harrow’s “good neighbour” housing standards highlighted amid London-wide debate
The London Borough of Harrow is among a number of London councils that incorporate “good neighbour” principles into their housing and anti-social behaviour (ASB) frameworks, using tenancy conditions to regulate conduct that may cause nuisance or harassment within residential areas. In Harrow, tenancy agreements expressly hold tenants responsible for the behaviour of household members andContinue reading “Harrow’s “good neighbour” housing standards highlighted amid London-wide debate”
Commons report warns children’s residential care system is “not working” – implications for Harrow
A new report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), published on 16 January 2026, has raised serious concerns about the state of children’s residential care in England, warning that the system is “not working” and is placing vulnerable children at risk.The report Financial Sustainability of Children’s Care Homes found that in SeptemberContinue reading “Commons report warns children’s residential care system is “not working” – implications for Harrow”
Harrow Tamil community marks 16 years of Thai Pongal with vibrant cultural celebration
The Harrow Tamil Community marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 16th Annual Thai Pongal Festival, held on January 11, 2026, at the Harrow Arts Centre. The vibrant and well-attended event was organised by respected community leaders, including former Mayor of Harrow Cllr Suresh Krishna together with former Deputy Mayor Cllr Sasikala Suresh.ReflectingContinue reading “Harrow Tamil community marks 16 years of Thai Pongal with vibrant cultural celebration”
Freedom Pass review sparks fear for 40,000 Harrow pensioners
Harrow’s older residents are facing mounting uncertainty as the London Freedom Pass scheme is placed under formal review amid sharply rising costs to borough councils. The scheme, which currently provides free public transport across London for people of state pension age, is funded collectively by councils through payments to Transport for London and rail operators,Continue reading “Freedom Pass review sparks fear for 40,000 Harrow pensioners”
Funding boost gives Harrow firmer financial footing
Labour councillors have responded to the Government’s announcement on Harrow’s future funding, while the Council’s finance portfolio has clarified the precise figures and timescales involved.The draft local government settlement confirms additional funding for Harrow from 2026/27 onwards, giving the Council increased spending power and a stronger platform to manage pressures across core services. This formsContinue reading “Funding boost gives Harrow firmer financial footing”
City Hall welcomes Harrow Monitoring Group’s call for more accessible planning documents and consultations
City Hall has issued a formal acknowledgment of the Harrow Monitoring Group’s recent submission to the Mayor of London, commending the organisation for its “important” and “constructive” contribution to the ongoing debate about accessible and inclusive public consultation in the planning system. In a detailed response (MGLA121125-8307), London Plan Manager Marissa Ryan-Hernandez thanked the GroupContinue reading “City Hall welcomes Harrow Monitoring Group’s call for more accessible planning documents and consultations”
Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward
Arise, Harrow’s newest political force, burst onto the local scene on 7 December 2025 with its first canvassing session in Marlborough ward, the seat currently held by the Labour opposition leader on Harrow Council. The party, founded on 27 August and launched in Harrow with the support of Jeremy Corbyn MP, is led by formerContinue reading “Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward”
Harrow Monitoring Group 
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